By Russell Poncik

Their mission statement is a simple one: Fostering pride in, and respect for, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities of San Diego. Going into their 31st year of celebration, San Diego LGBT Pride will once again be the event of the summer and one of the highlights of our city's civic affairs.

The weekend extravaganza will start with The Spirit of Stonewall Rally on Friday, July 29, and conclude with musical entertainment by Bow Wow Wow on Sunday, July 31. In between, thousands of patrons will enjoy a parade, a two-day festival, and plenty of sun and fun. Look for all of the 2005 souvenir merchandising and advertising to carry the theme of "Equal Rights! No More, No Less!"

In addition to giving back to the community throughout the year, the Pride organization recognizes several outstanding members of the community again this year. This year's award winners are honored for their contribution to the LGBT community through their leadership and activism and will be officially recognized during the rally event.

Dr. Bill Beck and Jennifer LeSar are being honored as Champions of Pride. Both have spent countless hours giving back to the community. The Stonewall Service Award, given annually to an organization that supports the community, is being given to KPBS television in appreciation for the nearly two dozen program titles that have aired focusing on LGBT issues.

Marc Chery, director of the Malcolm X Branch Library, is being recognized as Friend of the Year. Despite criticism, he has opened the facility to a public forum on same-sex marriage as well as an African-American LGBT film festival presented by Ebony Pride.

This year's Community Service Awards are being given to Todd Gloria, district director for Congresswoman Susan A. Davis; Cathy Hemphill, a community volunteer for over 10 years who also works the front desk at The Center; and Linda Childers, a frontline activist for several groups including the Imperial Court de San Diego.

The parade grand marshals this year are Michael "Big Mike" Phillips, co-founder of Ordinary Miracles; Ben Dillingham, a decorated combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps who has been affiliated with several charitable organizations; Megan Donovan and Joseph "Joey" Ramelli, former students of Poway High School who won a court case involving harassment at the school based on their sexuality; and Alice A. Huffman, president of the California State Conference of the NAACP.

Here are some highlights of the festivities this year:

Friday, July 29 - The Spirit of Stonewall Rally begins at 7 p.m. at the Main Festival Stage in Balboa Park, just off Balboa Drive and Juniper. Note that this is a new location for this event. California Assemblyman Mark Leno is the featured keynote speaker.

Saturday, July 30 - The 31st Annual Pride Parade begins at 11 a.m. and features more than 200 eye-catching entries. The route begins at University Avenue and Normal Street, then travels west to Sixth Avenue, then south to Upas Street. Attendance at the parade exceeds 100,000 every year and is one of the top civic attractions. Officials are expecting the crowd to top 150,000 this year.

Saturday, July 30 - The Run and Stride With Pride kicks off at 8 a.m. at Sixth Avenue and Laurel in Balboa Park. Join Front Runners of San Diego for this free event. No pre-registration is necessary. For more info on the walk and run, visit www.frsdweb.org/pride.html.

Saturday, July 30-Sunday, July 31 - The Pride Festival at Marston Point in Balboa Park will be open from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday. Sunday hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Passes are $12 each, or $20 for a two-day pass. Live entertainment will be presented throughout both days. Three beer gardens, a children's area, the Senior Connection, Leather Expo, Coffee Exchange, Youth Hangout Space, Art of Pride, and several dance floors will all be part of the many attractions within the festival gates. More than 300 vendors are also scheduled to participate.

Sunday, July 31 - The Commitment Ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. at the Main Festival Stage and Minister Deb will officiate.

A diverse entertainment lineup should please everyone. Kristie Stremel, Alicia Champion, Culture Shock, and BETTY, are all part of the Saturday musical schedule with the popular Imperial Court de San Diego Drag Show closing out the night. On Sunday, Candye Kane, Brian Grillo, and Bow Wow Wow will all "wow" their fans. Emcees for the weekend include Carlease Burke, Erik Swanson, Matt Bragg, and Laura Jane.

There will be plenty to do and see, so it is recommended that you pace yourself. Be courteous, too. Your number one goal should be to have fun as you join the many, many others who are "out" to celebrate. I'll see you around the festival! Don't forget your sunscreen!

For complete information about the 2005 event, call (619) 297-7683, or visit the official Web site at www.sdpride.org. Free shuttle service will be offered too, so check the Web site for complete details.